When Dave Feely found out Don Gifford was seriously injured, he knew what had to be done.

“We will have a benefit,” he said. “And the sooner the better.”

Earlier this month, Gifford, a Bradford Township employee and Willow Creek resident, was working on the garbage truck and was pinned between the truck and another vehicle.

He had surgery in Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, N.Y., and is now in a rehabilitation facility.

Within days, Feely’s words became a reality.

A benefit is set for 1 p.m. today at The Shack at Corydon, 3307 W. Washington St.

The Shack is serving beef on wecks plus rigatoni and meatballs. Several people have signed up to bring in food that will be used to supplement the meal. There will be a cash bar.

The cost is $10 per person.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese auction.

Entertainment includes the Inexpensive Winos,  DJ Brandon Hallock and Greg Pire.

Feely wanted to help Gifford, who lives next to The Shack, because he has known him for years.

“In all honesty, he is one of the nicest, most sincere person I have met in my life,” Feely said of Gifford. “Always respectful and friendly.”

“I have always walked away from him feeling a little better. It’s true.”

And many people have offered to help with the benefit.

“A lot of people have stepped forward ,” Feely said. “That’s standard in Bradford. That is what we do in this town … someone is in need and boom – people come running.”

Gifford has a wife, Lisa, and three stepchildren.

“They are very grateful for any help. Very grateful,” Feely said.

A portion of The Shack’s proceeds will also be donated to the Giffords.

Feely is hopeful for a good turnout.

“It is hard to hear about something like this. Bad things happen to good people.”